Process of purifying petroleum distillates



NITED STATES PATENT nines,

THOMAS J. GORDON, OF LIMA, OHIO.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 451,724, dated May 5, 1891.

Application filed June 30, 1890. $erial No. 357,289. ($pecimens.)

T aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS J. GORDON, of Lima, in the county of Allen and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Process of Purifying Petroleum Distillates; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same. I

This invention relates to a process of purifying petroleum distillates. As is well known, nearly all petroleum contains a certain per cent. of sulphur, and some such a large per cent. as to render its elimination for the purpose of producing a high-grade illuminating oil practically impossible. It has been the custom heretofore to treat the distillate with an oxide of lead, preferably with litharge, to eliminate the sulphur held in mechanical suspension therein, and also to desulphurize the distillate; but when so treated the distillate in burning deposits a large amount of carbon or lamp-black, and also emits a very disagreeable odor, which result can be traced to the fact that the lead oxide is soluble in petroleum or its distillates, so that in the attempt to eliminate the sulphur-a metallic base is substituted therefor.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome these obstacles by treating the distillate with a substance having an affinity for sulphur and lead, which, after having performed its functions, is expelled from the distillate by suitable means, whereby the said distillate is rendered free from sulphur compounds and lead, thus presenting a pure high grade and practically inodorous illuminating-oil.

lVith these objects in View the invention consists in treating the distillate with a chemical having an affinity for sulphur products, such as litharge, subjecting the distillate thus treated to the action of a substance capable of separating the litharge and sulphur compounds from the said distillate, preferably sulphate of magnesia, then submitting the dis tillate to the action of an acid capable of precipitating the sulphur and lead held in solution, then to the action of an alkaline solution to neutralize the acid, and then washing the distillate to remove the alkali.

In carrying my invention into effect I dissolve in or mix with the distillate a chemical having an affinity for sulphur, preferably litharge, which acts as a deodorizing agent and at the same time eliminates the sulphur held in mechanical suspension therein. The distillate thus treated is then drawn into an other vessel, where it is treated with a cold solution of sulphate of magnesia, the specific gravity of which is preferably five degrees heavier than Water on a Baum alkali hydrometer. The distillate is then agitated, either by mechanical stirrers or by a current of air, the latter being preferred, from two to three hours, and is then allowed to rest until the solution settles, after which the water contained therein is drawn off. I then add a solution of sulphuric acid that shows five degrees heavier than water on a Baum acid hydrometerfl The distillate is then again agitated for about one hour, when a yellowish precipitate is drawn off, which indicates that the lead and sulphur vheld in suspension in the distillate are precipitated. After the sulphur compounds and lead have been removed a suitable alkaline solution is incorporated by agitation to neutralize any acid which might remain in the distillate, after which it is washed to remove the alkali. By this process I am enabled thoroughly to eliminate from the product all trace of lead or sulphur, and as a result produce ahigh grade of illuminating and practically smokeless oil.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is e 1. The herein-described process of purifying petroleum distillates, which consists, first, in subjecting the same to the action of a chemical having an affinity for sulphur products, such as litharge, then admixing with the distillate thus treated sulphate of magnesium to precipitate the sulphur products and litharge, then adding an acid to precipitate the remaining sulphur and lead products, then adding an alkaline solution to neutralize the acid, and finally washing the I distillate to remove the alkali.

2. The herein-described process of puritying petroleum distillates, which consists, first,

nesium t0 the distillate and agitating the agitating and drawing off the precipitate, whole; thirdly, adding an acid solution and then adding an alkaline solution and agitatagitating; fourthly, adding an alkaline soluing to neutralize the acid, and finally washtion and agitating, and finally washing the ing to remove the alkali. distillate. I In testimony that I claim the foregoing as 3. The herein-described process of purifymy own I hereby affiX my signature in presing petroleum distillates, which consists, first, ence of two Witnesses. in subjecting the distillate t0 the action of THOMAS J. GORDON. litharge, then adding a cold solution of sulphate of magnesium, agitating and drawing off the water, then adding sulphuric acid,

WVitncsses:

WILLIAM WEBSTER, -ANNA J. LEHANEY. 

